Introduction to Khajuraho Temples
India the land of culture and heritage is replete with historic pilgrimage sites not only for the Hindu pilgrims but also for the tourists to visit. The Khajuraho Temples, being one of them, is located in the heart of the country in Madhya Pradesh in the Khajuraho village. This destination is one of the most popular tourist destinations that India has to offer to the world.
History of Khajuraho Temples
The ancient Khajuraho temples reach completion between 950 and 1050 A.D under the rule of the Chandels and these temples represent the architectural masterpiece that the medieval craftsmen had created. These temples had 85 temples originally, out of which 22 only exist till date. With the end of the Chandela rule the Khajuraho temples were left out of the limelight to be a glorious memory since its recognition in the recent decade.
About the Khajuraho Temples
Other than the murals in the temple one also comes across the 3 prime compartments which are entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa), including the sanctum (garbha griha). You can group the temples into 3 divisions of western, eastern and southern temples. The Khajuraho temples based on the themes of the mood a women are built of pink or pale yellow sandstone.
The Western Group Temples
The Kandariya Mahadeo among the western group temples is the largest typical temple among the Khajuraho temples. This temple has 900 statues and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The oldest surviving temple known as Chaunsat Yogini is a granite temple that’s dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple dedicated to the Sun God is known as the Chitragupta Temple. This temple faces the rising sun to the east.
The Vishwanath Temple features a 3-headed idol of God Brahma and lions stay on guard of the northern entrance. Lakshamana Temple features a lintel over head the entrance that’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Matangeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a lingam, which is 8 ft high.
The Eastern and Southern Group Temples
The eastern group has the Parsavanatha Temple, Ghantai Temple, and Adinatha Temple, all of which are Jain temples. The Hindu temples in this segment are Brahma temple, Vamana temple, and Javari temple. The southern group lies 5 km from the village of Khajuraho. This group comprises of the temples like Duladeo Temple, and Chaturbhuj Temple both are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Reaching the Khajuraho Temples
Reaching the Khajuraho Temples is facilitated through air by Boeing 737 that connects with Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu. Touring to Khajuraho temples through rail is also possible from the terminals like Mahoba, Harpalpur, Jhansi, and Satna. One can also avail of the bus services from the same terminals for experiencing touring to Khajuraho.
Know more about the Popular Pilgrimage Sites in India as you browse through allindiaportal.com.
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